Photovoltaic unit comprising a matrix of frameless solar modules

Abstract

A photovoltaic unit includes a matrix having a plurality of frameless rectangular solar modules, and at least one module rail disposed on an underside of each solar module. Each of the at least one module rail is coupled to a substrate rail, which is releasably connected to a substrate. Each of the at least one module rail and the at least one substrate rail has a guide rail running parallel to an edge of the respective solar module on at least a longitudinal side of the respective rail facing towards an edge region of the solar module. The guide rails on the module and substrate rails are releasably connected to each other by at least one connecting element. A spacer gap of sufficient width for operating the connecting element is provided between adjacent solar modules of the plurality of frameless rectangular solar modules.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A photovoltaic unit comprising:
 a matrix including a plurality of frameless rectangular solar modules; and   at least one module rail disposed on an underside of each solar module, each of the at least one module rail being coupled to a substrate rail, the substrate rail being releasably connected to a substrate,   wherein the at least one module rail and the at least one substrate rail each have a substantially similar cross section rotated by 180° with respect to each other, with a U-shaped transverse side adjacent to one of the respective solar module and the substrate and an opposite L-shaped transverse side, each of the at least one module rail and the at least one substrate rail having a guide rail running parallel to an edge of the respective solar module on at least a longitudinal side of the respective rail facing towards an edge region of the solar module,   wherein the guide rails on the module and substrate rails are releasably connected to each other by at least one connecting element, and   wherein a spacer gap of sufficient width for operating the connecting element is provided between adjacent solar modules of the plurality of frameless rectangular solar modules.   
     
     
         14 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein at least one connecting element is provided for each solar module in a first and second edge regions of the solar module. 
     
     
         15 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 14 , wherein at least one further connecting element is provided for each solar module in a middle section of the solar module. 
     
     
         16 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein the connecting element includes a securing device configured to secure the connecting element with respect to at least one of the module and substrate rails. 
     
     
         17 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein the connecting element includes a slider displaceable along the guide rails of the module and substrate rails. 
     
     
         18 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 17 , wherein the spacer gap between the adjacent solar modules is configured to operate the slider and has a width suitable for a displacement tool to engage therethrough. 
     
     
         19 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 16 , wherein the securing device includes a spring shackle. 
     
     
         20 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein the guide rails of the module and substrate rails have opposing oblique undercuts when the module and substrate rails are connected to each other by the connecting element. 
     
     
         21 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 20  wherein the connecting element has oblique undercuts corresponding to the oblique undercuts of the guide rails. 
     
     
         22 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 21 , wherein the oblique undercuts on the guide rails form a dovetail guide with corresponding oblique undercuts on the connecting element. 
     
     
         23 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein mutually opposite connecting elements of adjacent solar modules are connected to each other. 
     
     
         24 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein mutually opposite connecting element of adjacent solar modules are constructed in one piece. 
     
     
         25 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein mutually opposite substrate rails of adjacent solar modules are affixed to the substrate by a common fixing rail. 
     
     
         26 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein the at least one module rail includes a plurality of module rails disposed in sections or continuously on all sides of each solar module. 
     
     
         27 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein the at least one module rail is adhesively bonded to the underside of the corresponding solar module. 
     
     
         28 . The photovoltaic unit according to  claim 13 , wherein the substrate includes at least one of a substructure, a building board, a roof, and a facade.